Cease-fire brings calm to Gaza — and disillusionment to U.S. campuses

The New York Times reports that after the cease-fire between Israel and Gaza, many U.S. student activists have begun to reflect on the limits and consequences of their protests. Figures like Harry Campbell, a former student at Washington University, say that while their intentions were moral, the backlash was severe and politically costly.

Source The New York Times

Recent polling shows that public opinion in the U.S. has shifted sharply, with a growing number of voters critical of pro-Palestinian demonstrations that included radical slogans or were perceived as antisemitic. As a result, students are now more cautious — often concealing their identities or avoiding protests altogether.

Although sympathy for Palestinians remains, fear and self-censorship dominate campus culture. Analysts note that the events have exposed how fragile political expression has become in the U.S., where activism now carries social and professional risks even in academic environments once known for open debate.